'The Biggest Game In Rugby League', The Derby between St.Helens and Wigan Warriors is taking place on Friday, 29th March with kick-off at a SOLD OUT Totally Wicked Stadium scheduled for 3pm.
ℹ IMPORTANT TICKET & ENTRY INFORMATION
The Ticket Office at the stadium on gameday will be open for inquiries only, and any Match Ticket collections need to be made from the Ticket Office.
We strongly advise our fans who have ordered tickets for collection, to collect them well in advance of the game.
Please note on gameday any fan who has lost their ticket or Membership, or attends with the wrong ticket or Membership, WILL NOT be permitted entry into the stadium. The Ticket Office cannot re-print tickets or Memberships on gameday.
Turnstiles will open for all supporters on gameday from 1.15pm
2024 Saints Members
Please note, any 2024 Members wishing to move their seats to another location in the stadium, will not be able to do so, until after the Wigan fixture.
There is no availability for this fixture to move to a new location.
Wigan supporters information
The large majority of Wigan Warriors’ supporters will be situated in the East Stand of the Totally Wicked Stadium. There will be NO option to pay at the turnstiles on gameday.
📰 SQUAD NEWS
Wellens makes two changes to the squad that was victorious in the Sixth Round of the Betfred Challenge Cup last Friday night, away at Leeds Rhinos. Tommy Makinson and Mark Percival are both available for selection, Makinson after an injury in the warm up kept him from playing in the league match against Leeds, and Percival after serving a two-match suspension can feature too.
Click or tap on the image below to read more about our Derby Day squad news!
Wigan Warriors’ 21-man squad vs St.Helens
1. Jai Field, 2. Abbas Miski, 3. Adam Keighran, 4. Jake Wardle, 5. Liam Marshall, 6. Bevan French, 7. Harry Smith, 9. Brad O’Neill, 10. Liam Byrne, 11. Willie Isa, 12. Liam Farrell, 13. Kaide Ellis, 15. Patrick Mago, 16. Luke Thompson, 17. Kruise Leeming, 19. Tyler Dupree, 20. Harvie Hill, 21. Junior Nsemba, 23. Ryan Hampshire, 24. Tiaki Chan, 26. Zach Eckersley.
🔥 WELCOME THE SAINTS TO THE GAME!
With a special walk-through arrival alongside our supporters planned, the Club urges Saints fans to arrive to the Totally Wicked Stadium early and welcome the team as they make their entrance to the ground!
- WHEN: This Friday, 29th March, at 1:10pm
- WHERE: Outside the Totally Wicked Stadium, close to the Keiron Cunningham statue
- WHAT: Be there early to welcome the team and enjoy all we have in store for you on Good Friday!
Please note: The players will be working to a strict pre-match schedule and will not be able to stop during their walk-through into the stadium, we ask fans to kindly be understanding of this.
🦺 SUPPORTER SAFETY
St.Helens R.F.C. want to ensure that everyone who comes to enjoy game days at the Totally Wicked Stadium can do so in a safe and friendly environment!
The Club would like to reiterate to supporters that it operates a zero-tolerance approach to any anti-social behaviour, at both our own home ground and when visiting other clubs’ stadiums. Misbehaviours that will not be tolerated include, but are not limited to; physical or verbal abuse, violent conduct, missile throwing, excessive alcohol misuse, and any drug misuse.
Furthermore, the use of pyrotechnics is strictly prohibited under both rugby and football ground regulations. They can cause serious injuries to those who carry them as well as fellow spectators, as well as damage to surfaces such as the playing pitch which can cost clubs thousands of pounds.
The Club during recent seasons has taken preventative actions for home fixtures, with additional stewarding and ‘sniffer’ dog patrols around the stadium. Supporters may encounter these dog patrols when approaching the stadium.
St.Helens would also like to encourage parents/guardians of children coming to the ground to ensure they are always aware of what their child is doing and where in the stadium they are at all times.
🥤 FOOD & DRINKS
Find out much more about what there is to eat and drink at the Totally Wicked Stadium on gameday by clicking here!
Why not try the Saints’ new Cottoms Chicken Balti pie? 👀
Cottom’s mobile pie van will be in-situ in the Totally Wicked North Stand, serving a selection of their very best pies, including that brand-new Balti pie!
ABK Beer – the Official Beer of Rugby League – will be a new draught beer available in the RedV Bar and in the Southwest corner of the stadium, close to the Tom Van Vollenhoven mural!
As part of our wide variety of pre-match activities, inside and outside of the ground, we are delighted to announce that local Tik-Tok star, JJ’s Ices (@jjs_ices), will be joining us from 12:30pm under the Keiron Cunningham statue! 😋
📊 THE RECORD AGAINST WIGAN
Super League summary
St Helens and Wigan have met 102 times across all competitions in the Super League (Summer) era, and in the competition itself Saints have the lead in the head-to-head scores.
The Red V have won 47 Super League matches, including victories in the 2000, 2004 and 2020 Grand Finals, plus play-off wins in 2000, 2002, 2009, 2011 and 2019. The Cherry & Whites have got the victory 40 times in the league, and the honours have been shared in a draw just four times.
Our highest scoring Super League game against Wigan came at the Millennium Stadium for Magic Weekend back in 2008, where we put the Warriors to the sword in a 57-16 victory. Our widest ever margin of victory over Wigan in Super League was a 42-0 win in 2020 in a behind closed doors game at Salford’s AJ Bell Stadium during the Covid pandemic.
Last ten meetings
St Helens 34, Wigan 16 (SLR15, 9/6/23)
Wigan 14, St Helens 6 (SLR8, 7/4/23)
Wigan 30, St Helens 10 (SLR25, 26/8/22)
St Helens 20, Wigan 18 (SLR18, 9/7/22) (at St James’ Park, Newcastle)
St Helens 18, Wigan 20 (CCSF, 7/5/22) (at Elland Road, Leeds)
St Helens 22, Wigan 4 (SLR8, 15/4/22)
Wigan 2, St Helens 26 (SLR20, 20/8/21)
St Helens 24, Wigan 6 (SLR13, 4/7/21)
St Helens 8, Wigan 4 (SLGF, 27/11/20) (at KCOM Stadium, Hull)
St Helens 6, Wigan 18 (SLR19, 30/10/20)
🔻 WHAT KIT WILL SAINTS BE WEARING?
The Saints’ 24 Home Kit will be worn on Good Friday against Wigan!
Our traditional white shirt with a Red Vee is a sharper, modern look, with watermark shard designs whilst the ‘V’ itself is a subtle two-tone design, a feature never before seen on a St.Helens shirt.
Get your 24 Home Kit online by visiting saintssuperstore.com!
The Saints Stadium Superstore at the ground will be open on Good Friday from 10am until 3pm.
🛫 LIVERPOOL JOHN LENNON AIRPORT: CROSSBAR CHALLENGE
Two Saints fans will go toe-to-toe at half time on Friday will get the chance to win x2 return flights on the Jet2.com network* and there will be a guaranteed winner!
Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have now started flights from Liverpool John Lennon Airport! Their new base will see them fly to 20 destinations across Europe, including favourites such as the Canary Islands, Cyprus, Greece, Malta, Turkey and the Algarve.
You can book flights by visiting Jet2.com and book holidays via Liverpool John Lennon Airport by visiting Jet2holidays.com today!
With the eyes of all the Saints faithful in the West Stand watching, the contesting Member will get three attempts to hit the crossbar from the 20m line.
*T&C’s apply.
🎵 LIVE MUSIC
We have local favourite Jack Bennett (@jackbennettmusicpage) again performing close to kick-off to add to what will already be an electric atmosphere.
We also have another local DJ Eric McKenna (@ericmckennadj) who will be performing his set from 2pm onwards and as the players warm-up in advance of kick-off. Both acts have already performed at games this season to great ovation from fans!
As part of our earlier activities too, DJ Earl will be performing in the Red V Bar from 12pm through to kick-off at 3pm!
🏉 MATCHBALL DELIVERY
We are hosting some special guests – the Royal Marines – who will be abseiling into the stadium from the South Stand to deliver the matchball ahead of the players stepping out ready for kick-off!
The Saints will come out to a pyro and flame display that is going to add even more spectacle to what should be an incredible atmosphere.
🪄 MISSED OUT? DON’T MISS MAGIC WKND
Super League’s MAGIC WKND returns to the height of summer in 2024, and St.Helens will take on Wigan Warriors in a blockbuster clash at Elland Road!
Adult tickets start at just £30 for each action-packed day, while season ticket holders will receive a 50% discount when booking through the Club! Secure your spot by visiting our ticketing website or click the image below.
Saints supporters will be allocated in the South Stand at Elland Road which will have designated specific areas to ensure that, where free-movement restrictions apply due to stadium structure, that all their fans can sit together.
Supporters are advised, in advance of purchasing tickets, to ensure that they select the correct area for their team from the following options: South Lower; South Upper; or South East Corner.
💬 COACH PREVIEW
The Red V boss needs no introduction to what this fixture means to everyone involved in the Club and town of St Helens, and he reaffirms his players know this game means more and what it will require to be at our best.
The sold-out signs went up for this fixture well in advance as two of the best rugby league clubs meet for the next instalment of this historic rivalry. Wellens issues a rallying cry for our supporters to bring the noise, get to the ground early, and create an incredible atmosphere to help drive our Saints on!
Saints TV subscribers can watch the full Coach Preview with Paul Wellens!
🏉 THE REST OF RIVALS ROUND (R6) IN SUPER LEAGUE
Thursday
Castleford Tigers vs Leeds Rhinos – 8pm
Friday
Hull KR vs Hull FC – 12:30pm
Saturday
Warrington Wolves vs London Broncos – 3pm
Salford Red Devils vs Leigh Leopards – 5:30pm
Sunday
London Broncos vs Huddersfield Giants – 3pm
Take a look at how the Betfred Super League table looks ahead of Round 6 by clicking here.
© LOMAX: “WE ALL HAVE OUR PART TO PLAY”
Saints Captain Jonny Lomax talks about the inspiration our players get from them when they’re loud and proud. That feeling, he said, is almost indescribable, and he said we want that connection between the players and the fans, going on to say “we all have our part to play”.
Watch the full player preview with the Captain on Saints TV!
🟣 MARCH’S MEMBERS’ OFFER
One of the many benefits for our 2024 Members is a special monthly offer with the Saints Superstore!
In March, 2024 Members get 10% off our stylish Captain’s Run Range! The Saints Superstore at the Totally Wicked Stadium will be open from 9am until 3pm on Friday for game day.
Superstore Easter Opening Times
Friday – 10am – 3pm
Saturday – 10am – 4pm
Sunday – Closed
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – Return to normal hours
Shop our 2024 Captain’s Run Range at saintssuperstore.com!
🔍 A LOOK AT WIGAN
The current Super League and World Club Champions are the ones being hunted now after St.Helens’ four-year straight reign as Super League champions came to an end, and spirits at Wigan are high as they look to establish their own dominant period of success.
Head Coach Matt Peet has overseen Wigan win; the Challenge Cup in 2022, followed by the League Leaders’ Shield and Grand Final in 2023. Their most recent triumph was the World Club Challenge victory over Penrith Panthers in February at the DW Stadium, a game that went right down to the wire.
Wigan boast a strong squad in 2024 with a number of high profile recruits this season such as; Kruise Leeming, Adam Keighran and Sam Walters, as well as former Saint Luke Thompson who has returned to these shores following a stint with NRL side Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
Add these new men into a side that has the likes of Bevan French, Jai Field and Harry Smith already in their ranks – it’s not hard to see why many in the media ahead of the season backed the Warriors to do well again in 2024.
So far in Betfred Super League 2024 Wigan have yet to taste defeat with wins over Castleford, Huddersfield, London and Salford. They have also progressed to the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup after beating a valiant Sheffield Eagles effort.
There is added incentive for Wigan as they look to keep a winning run stretching back from July 2023 rolling in the league. For Saints, they will be looking to stop that run and lay down a marker at the top end of the league ladder and to get one over the old enemy.
THREE TO WATCH
- Brad O’Neill – Super League’s Young Player of the Year in 2023 is Wigan’s first choice hooker and has become a vital cog in their pack
- Jake Wardle – the former Huddersfield and Warrington centre is dangerous on the edge and is typically either scoring or setting up tries for the Cherry & Whites
- Harry Smith – Wigan’s half-back has a strong kicking game and has gone on to progress to international honours with England as a key part of the series whitewash of Tonga last Autumn
🗣️ WHO WILL BE THE MATCH OFFICIALS?
Chris Kendall will be the referee for Friday afternoon’s fixture, and he will be supported by Touch Judges Jonny Roberts & Warren Turley and as with all Super League fixtures in 2024 there will also be the Video Referee Ben Thaler based at Rugby League’s remote refereeing base.
PARKING AROUND THE TOWN
St Helens Borough Council have provided an update to their usual parking offering for home games.
All Council run-car parks will be free to use on Good Friday, with more details here.
Heading out tomorrow to support @Saints1890 as they take on @WiganWarriorsRL?
Take advantage of FREE parking on council car parks
👉https://t.co/GGurS8HaDqTontine will also be free & will remain open until 6pm. Pedestrian access is via the stairs on Chalon Way after 4.30pm. pic.twitter.com/vXNY3CUbCF
— St Helens Borough Council (@sthelenscouncil) March 28, 2024
📲 HOW CAN I FOLLOW THE GAME?
Saints will be covering the match in full across our Live Match Centre where you can find out the team news, follow live game updates, get behind the scenes photos and catch up on all the stories of the game.
Our club social media accounts will also keep supporters updated. Follow us on: X (formerly Twitter) | Facebook | Instagram
Highlights and the full match replay will be available for Saints TV subscribers.
Sky Sports subscribers can watch the game live on Sky Sports’ channels Main Event and Arena.
